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Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 41


Page 41 of 47

Earth grows fine gems in minutes

Research from Rice University found that certain cooling magmas can grow large crystals in just hours or days, defying traditional understanding of crystal growth. The study used advanced techniques to measure the chemical composition and growth rates of sample crystals, revealing surprisingly fast growth rates.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2020

A timeline on the evolution of reptiles

Researchers created the largest available timeline of reptile evolution using CT scans and fossil data from over 1,000 specimens. The study found that major transitions in evolution occurred through many small bursts of morphological changes over 50 million years, contradicting a widely held theory on rapid evolutionary bursts.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2020

Watch how cells squeeze through channels

Researchers observed cells moving through small channels to understand cell migration in 3D environments. The findings suggest that cancer cells may penetrate tissues and be blocked within small capillaries, potentially allowing them to metastasize.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 6, 2020

Could megatesla magnetic fields be realized on Earth?

Scientists at Osaka University have discovered a novel mechanism, microtube implosion, which generates megatesla-order magnetic fields. This breakthrough is three orders of magnitude higher than what has been achieved in a laboratory, with potential applications in materials science, quantum electrodynamics, and astrophysics.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 6, 2020

Novel testing platform designed for breast cancer cells

A Purdue University team has developed a magnetically moving cell culturing system to evaluate the impact of mechanical forces on breast cancer cells. The technology allows for the growth of 3D cancer cells in a new tissue environment, mimicking the physiological conditions found in the lungs during breathing.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 6, 2020

Colorectal cancer treatment: the winning combinations

Scientists have developed a technique that quickly identifies optimal synergistic combinations of anticancer drugs, reducing tumour growth by 80% and outperforming chemotherapy. The technology, called TGMO, achieves results in under two weeks, paving the way for personalized, effective, and safe cancer treatment.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalMolecular Oncology·DateOct 6, 2020

Predicting sports performance with "big data"

Researchers developed a mathematical model to estimate key physiological parameters like maximal aerobic speed and endurance in athletes. The non-invasive data gathering method offers new possibilities for treatments and monitoring.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2020

Effects of acute and chronic graft-versus-myelodysplastic syndrome on long-term outcomes following a

A recent study has shown that graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect associated with limited chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) improves survival in high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients. For those with low-risk MDS, acute and chronic GVHD did not improve overall mortality or relapse rates.

Efficient pollen identification

A novel method for automated pollen analysis has been developed by combining imaging flow cytometry with deep learning, allowing for accurate species identification and quantitative findings in just 20 minutes. The new tool was tested on 35 plant species and achieved an accuracy rate of 96%, outperforming traditional microscopy methods.

Twisting magnetization with light

Researchers created tiny magnetization patterns known as skyrmions faster using laser pulses, which can have implications for magnetic data processing and storage. The findings clarified how the topology of the magnetic system changes in this process, contributing to stability but also making creation difficult.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 5, 2020

'Repliclones' fuel perplexing persistence of HIV in the blood of some patients on therapy

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered 'repliclones', large clones of HIV-infected cells that produce infectious virus particles, which can cause persistent viremia despite adherence to therapy. This finding has significant clinical implications and highlights a key barrier to developing a true cure for HIV.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 5, 2020

Letter from leading researchers urges terminology update, shift in COVID-19 guidance

A group of leading researchers emphasizes the importance of clarifying COVID-19 terminology related to aerosols and droplets. They stress that public health officials should highlight the risk of airborne transmission and recommend improving ventilation and moving activities outdoors. By doing so, they aim to reduce transmission and pr...

Reactions to perceived broken promises lead to workplace stress for police officers

A study by the University of Birmingham found that police officers experience stress and anxiety when they perceive a violation of their psychological contract, leading to feelings of anger and frustration. The researchers also discovered that fairness and self-efficacy play a crucial role in mediating this relationship.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalInternational Journal of Stress Management·DateOct 5, 2020

Spinach: good for popeye and the planet

Researchers at American University have developed a new method to create highly active and stable oxygen reduction reaction catalysts from spinach, which outperforms commercial platinum catalysts. The spin-based catalysts have potential applications in hydrogen fuel cells and metal-air batteries.

SourceAmerican University·JournalACS Omega·DateOct 5, 2020